Stay up to speed with the latest technology trends and products in the contracting field. https://www.pmmag.com/rss/2658-technology-for-contractors en-us bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) From common misconceptions to evolving technology, this episode explores what contractors need to know about backflow prevention, including inspections, repairs, replacements, codes, and selecting the right solutions. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107664 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107664-understanding-backflow-prevention Backflow can compromise potable water systems and pose serious public health risks. Learn how the 2024 International Plumbing Code, proper backflow prevention, routine testing, and cross-connection control strategies work together to help protect drinking water. Backflow can compromise potable water systems and pose serious public health risks. Learn how the 2024 International Plumbing Code, proper backflow prevention, routine testing, and cross-connection control strategies work together to help protect drinking water.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107646 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107646-understanding-backflow-risks-regulations-and-prevention-measures bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) Data centers, AI infrastructure, and large commercial construction are fueling demand for industrial PVF products, even as tariffs, commodity volatility and labor shortages force manufacturers and distributors to rethink supply chain strategies. Data centers, AI infrastructure, and large commercial construction are fueling demand for industrial PVF products, even as tariffs, commodity volatility and labor shortages force manufacturers and distributors to rethink supply chain strategies.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107641 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107641-state-of-the-industrial-pvf-market-data-centers-drive-growth Plumbing is one of the largest and most essential specialty trades in construction, with the U.S. plumbing industry projected to reach $191.4 billion in 2026 and include roughly 129,000 businesses nationwide, according to IBISWorld. At the same time, the construction industry continues to face a major labor shortage, putting more pressure on contractors to do more with their existing teams. Plumbing is one of the largest and most essential specialty trades in construction, with the U.S. plumbing industry projected to reach $191.4 billion in 2026 and include roughly 129,000 businesses nationwide, according to IBISWorld. At the same time, the construction industry continues to face a major labor shortage, putting more pressure on contractors to do more with their existing teams. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107629 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107629-bobyard-launches-ai-takeoff-and-estimating-for-commercial-plumbing-contractors PPATEC’s course offerings are specifically tailored to train HVAC/R, energy industry, and hydronic technicians in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. PPA member companies contribute to coursework to help design training programs that offer students a direct, hands-on learning experience that results in strengthening the professional skills of their employees. PPATEC’s course offerings are specifically tailored to train HVAC/R, energy industry, and hydronic technicians in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. PPA member companies contribute to coursework to help design training programs that offer students a direct, hands-on learning experience that results in strengthening the professional skills of their employees.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107624 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107624-expanded-training-center-prepares-the-next-generation-of-technicians From AI-powered leak detection to smart faucets, water heaters, and bottle filling stations, connected plumbing is reshaping how water systems are managed. Learn how intelligent plumbing technology is reducing maintenance costs, conserving resources, improving hygiene, and creating new opportunities for contractors and distributors. From AI-powered leak detection to smart faucets, water heaters, and bottle filling stations, connected plumbing is reshaping how water systems are managed. Learn how intelligent plumbing technology is reducing maintenance costs, conserving resources, improving hygiene, and creating new opportunities for contractors and distributors.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107622 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107622-connected-plumbing-an-intelligent-choice hydronicpros@gmail.com (John Siegenthaler, P.E.) Upcoming DOE regulations and rising energy costs are creating new opportunities to improve hydronic distribution efficiency through smarter circulator strategies. Upcoming DOE regulations and rising energy costs are creating new opportunities to improve hydronic distribution efficiency through smarter circulator strategies.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107620 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107620-improving-hydronic-efficiency scottsecor@comcast.net (Scott Secor) What happens when a heating contractor spends three nights in one of America's most iconic historic hotels? Scott Secor shares observations on the Old Faithful Inn's hydronic heating system, from ornate cast-iron radiators to noisy TRVs and the questions they raised. What happens when a heating contractor spends three nights in one of America's most iconic historic hotels? Scott Secor shares observations on the Old Faithful Inn's hydronic heating system, from ornate cast-iron radiators to noisy TRVs and the questions they raised.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107617 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:30:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107617-old-faithful-inn-yellowstone-national-park baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) At a time when supply chains, workforce development and economic resilience remain top concerns, many manufacturers are reaffirming their commitment to producing products in the United States. Beyond supporting local jobs, domestic operations can offer greater quality control, shorter lead times, closer collaboration between engineering and production teams, and stronger connections to customers and distribution partners. At a time when supply chains, workforce development and economic resilience remain top concerns, many manufacturers are reaffirming their commitment to producing products in the United States. Beyond supporting local jobs, domestic operations can offer greater quality control, shorter lead times, closer collaboration between engineering and production teams, and stronger connections to customers and distribution partners.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107600 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107600-made-in-america-a-commitment-beyond-the-product baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) For many contractors, heat pump water heaters still feel like a niche product; something tied more closely to rebates, energy programs or high-efficiency upgrades than to everyday water heater replacement work. But, according to Gregg Holladay of Bradford White, that perception is about to change quickly. For many contractors, heat pump water heaters still feel like a niche product; something tied more closely to rebates, energy programs or high-efficiency upgrades than to everyday water heater replacement work. But, according to Gregg Holladay of Bradford White, that perception is about to change quickly.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107602 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107602-is-the-industry-ready-for-heat-pump-water-heaters Contractors who continue to grow will be the ones who stay informed, embrace training, and prepare to move in the direction that the industry is heading. Contractors who continue to grow will be the ones who stay informed, embrace training, and prepare to move in the direction that the industry is heading.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107587 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107587-driving-growth-in-plumbing-today In this 1.5-hour webinar, instructor Randy Lorge will review how to use the Water Demand Calculator, highlight its technical benefits, and demonstrate how to apply it to accurately right-size a water distribution system. In this 1.5-hour webinar, instructor Randy Lorge will review how to use the Water Demand Calculator, highlight its technical benefits, and demonstrate how to apply it to accurately right-size a water distribution system.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107572 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:39:22 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107572-iapmo-announces-new-webinar baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Artificial intelligence won't fix broken workflows. It will simply expose them, says Powerhouse Consulting Group's Jenny Benbrook. Artificial intelligence won't fix broken workflows. It will simply expose them, says Powerhouse Consulting Group's Jenny Benbrook.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107554 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107554-ai-is-exposing-the-cracks-in-contractors-operations The Fewer Callbacks, Faster Jobs study surveyed 1,000 skilled-trade workers across the United States and Europe (UK, Germany, France) between May 28 and June 14, 2026, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points. The Fewer Callbacks, Faster Jobs study surveyed 1,000 skilled-trade workers across the United States and Europe (UK, Germany, France) between May 28 and June 14, 2026, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107553 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107553-new-survey-reveals-the-job-tradespeople-most-want-ai-to-solve-in-the-field Max orchestrates end-to-end automation for trades businesses. Max orchestrates end-to-end automation for trades businesses. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107548 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107548-servicetitans-max-reports-ai-powered-growth-for-contractors baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) On a recent episode of And So It Flows, Kristen Bayles sat down with Gregg Holladay, business development manager for specialty markets at Bradford White, to discuss the growing role heat pump water heaters are expected to play in the residential plumbing market and why contractors need to start preparing now. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107531 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107531-heat-pump-water-heaters-in-real-life ProBooks by BDR aims to help owners and managers gain greater visibility into their financial performance by providing accurate, timely and organized bookkeeping support. ProBooks by BDR aims to help owners and managers gain greater visibility into their financial performance by providing accurate, timely and organized bookkeeping support.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107533 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:44:28 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107533-bdr-launches-probooks-by-bdr While managing field productivity is critical, many contractors routinely overlook a silent profit killer hiding in plain sight: material procurement. While managing field productivity is critical, many contractors routinely overlook a silent profit killer hiding in plain sight: material procurement.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107506 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107506-the-hidden-cost-of-material-procurement-in-plumbing-projects According to the company, the pace mirrors an overall shift across construction as more and more contractors bring AI into their daily operations. According to the company, the pace mirrors an overall shift across construction as more and more contractors bring AI into their daily operations.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107504 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:48:57 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107504-jobtreads-ai-connector-becomes-the-companys-fastest-growing-integration-ever baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) AI-powered receptionists are emerging as a tool that can help businesses improve responsiveness, streamline operations, and compete more effectively in an increasingly fast-paced market. AI-powered receptionists are emerging as a tool that can help businesses improve responsiveness, streamline operations, and compete more effectively in an increasingly fast-paced market.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107485 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107485-the-new-front-line-of-customer-service The Houzz Pro 3D Floor Plan and Mood Board tools are available to all subscribers globally. The Houzz Pro 3D Floor Plan and Mood Board tools are available to all subscribers globally. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107473 Wed, 27 May 2026 16:28:02 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107473-houzz-pro-features-new-visualization-tools Grizzly’s partnership with Stegall builds on its recently announced partnership with Vermont Mechanical, a full-service mechanical contractor operating in the New England region Grizzly’s partnership with Stegall builds on its recently announced partnership with Vermont Mechanical, a full-service mechanical contractor operating in the New England region

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107470 Wed, 27 May 2026 10:12:56 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107470-grizzly-mep-announces-partnership-with-stegall-mechanical In addition, the company will begin a rebranding initiative. In addition, the company will begin a rebranding initiative. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107469 Wed, 27 May 2026 10:00:15 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107469-sitepro-announces-two-new-partnerships This isn't something to brush off or circle back to when things “slow down.” It’s not a marketing problem sitting neatly in someone else’s department. This isn't something to brush off or circle back to when things “slow down.” It’s not a marketing problem sitting neatly in someone else’s department.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107457 Tue, 26 May 2026 09:00:06 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107457-your-sales-team-isnt-posting-and-its-costing-you-millions AI Assist aims to help standardize troubleshooting across teams by giving technicians access to consistent diagnostic guidance within the GlobalEdge mobile app. AI Assist aims to help standardize troubleshooting across teams by giving technicians access to consistent diagnostic guidance within the GlobalEdge mobile app.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107459 Mon, 25 May 2026 12:00:50 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107459-eci-software-solutions-launches-field-service-technician-ai-assist baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) As commercial building owners continue to navigate economic uncertainty, labor shortages and changing customer demands, retrofit and renovation work is becoming a key opportunity across the plumbing market. In this article, learn where the commercial market is headed and how manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors can adapt. As commercial building owners continue to navigate economic uncertainty, labor shortages and changing customer demands, retrofit and renovation work is becoming a key opportunity across the plumbing market. In this article, learn where the commercial market is headed and how manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors can adapt.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107456 Mon, 25 May 2026 09:55:49 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107456-commercial-market-outlook-retrofit-projects-lead-the-way High-efficiency plumbing systems can help facilities conserve water, reduce operational costs, and improve long-term sustainability performance. High-efficiency plumbing systems can help facilities conserve water, reduce operational costs, and improve long-term sustainability performance.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107452 Wed, 20 May 2026 15:30:52 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107452-building-resilience-why-pressure-assisted-toilets-are-critical-for-emergency-preparedness baylesk@bnpmedia.com (Kristen R. Bayles) Insurance incentives, hidden leaks and operational gains are driving adoption, but the real return on smart water depends on who is measuring it and how. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107448 Tue, 19 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107448-the-roi-on-smart-water-do-connected-systems-really-pay-off Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes of leaks — especially in plastic piping systems — during installation, service and maintenance. http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107409 Mon, 04 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107409-leaks-happen-heres-the-why-when-they-do Across plumbing and mechanical jobsites, safety considerations are shaping how tools are designed, how systems behave, and how professionals expect technology to support them in the field. Across plumbing and mechanical jobsites, safety considerations are shaping how tools are designed, how systems behave, and how professionals expect technology to support them in the field. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107478 Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107478-how-technology-is-redefining-safety-on-todays-jobsites